A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. – Prov. 25:11

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GRACE – What or Who? (Part 2)

Last week I blogged about “Grace – Who or What?” This week I will continue with “Grace – What or Who?”. M Reader, if you did not read last week’s post or would like to review what was shared, feel free to check out last week’s post before you continue reading here.

Grace What?Last week I developed my understanding of the definition of grace given by Don Meares. Let me restate this definition for us this week to refresh our memories.

Grace is theempowering presence of God enabling you to be what God hascreated you to be and to do what God has called you to do.”

Another explanation of grace that I like is defined by John Bevere in A Heart Ablaze. He says (p.97),

“Grace is His (God’s) bestowed ability to do what His truth demands.It empowers us to obey God’s words.”

What is God’s bestowed ability? It is God’s empowering presence! What does God’s truth demand? It demands me to be who God created me to be and to do what He has called me to do! These two definitions fit together perfectly. I realize that God never asks me to do anything He does not equip me to do. That is the fulfillment of grace.

The other important fact about grace that I want to remember from last week is that grace is a gift. I learned this in Ephesians 2:8:

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith –and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Ephesians 4:7NKJV tells me another fact about the gift of grace. This verse states:

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

God’s gift of grace to me will differ from the gift of grace He gives to you, my Reader. God gives each of us just the right amount of His power through His presence needed for each unique experience of life you or I will ever encounter. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” So, if Jesus is always with me, His presence will always be there to empower me to do what His truth demands. When my desires are God’s desires, I cannot fail. Wow! That gives me confidence! However, my confidence must be in God and not in myself. I like II Corinthians 12:9 that says,

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

As I continue to search the scriptures for references to grace, I find a warning about how I am to use grace in II Corinthians 6:1,

“And working together with Him, we also urge younot to receive the grace of God in vain.”

Referring back to A Heart Ablaze, John Bevere further explains that to receive something in vain means not to use something to its full potential. (p. 97) I certainly do not want to misuse or not use what God has placed within me! I feel an accountability for God’s graciousness to me. I not only want to utilize the gift of grace that He has given to me, but I also want to thank Him for this abounding gift that He has bestowed upon me!

Grace – Who?I began this two-part blog about the word spelled “g-r-a-c-e” by referring to two of our granddaughters, Grace Elizabeth and Anna Grace, who claim Grace as part of their names. I would like to now suggest that, in a spiritual sense, each of us can proclaim Grace as a part of our name because the Lord offers this gift to everyone. God is no respecter of persons; what He does for one of His children He will for all of us who call upon His name. My Reader, Grace can be your name. Ask for it, receive it, and thank God for it!

The Sweetness of GraceAgain this week I make a comparison between grace and candy. The giver of a gift of candy may choose to give a different piece of candy to different people. It does not mean the giver likes one recipient better than another but chooses instead to make each gift similar yet unique according the to need of each individual. The giver of the gift may realize that one person needs more energy so gives that person a bigger piece of candy. The giver may know that another person likes one kind of candy better and would enjoy it more so this influences the kind of gift given. The giver desires that the gift will not be received in vain, or without any benefit. In turn, the recipient must remember to be thankful for whatever candy is received because it is a gift. In relation to grace, have I not previously stressed that grace is a gift to be received? Have I not commented about how God gives grace uniquely to each person according to the need? Have I not shown that God bestows the ability to a person to do what His truth, or His Word, demands? Whether it be grace or candy, the giver of the gift should be shown appreciation and the gift should be used properly by the receiver.

My Reader, I close my blog today with the same words to you that John closed the last book of the Bible in Revelation 22:21,

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

Joyfully,Cheryl

Challenge for this week: Sing the song Amazing Grace and think about the meaning of the words.